Peoples Promotes Bednarski, Adds Karcher
WAUSAU, Wis., — Peoples State Bank has promoted David Bednarski to vice president and mortgage team leader in the southeastern market and has hired of Melissa Karcher as vice president and mortgage team leader of the bank’s central market. Bednarski joined Peoples in 2024 with 25 years of mortgage lending experience, primarily in southeastern Wisconsin….
GSB Names Mary Hermes VP
MADISON, Wis., — The Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has named Mary Hermes vice president of education and professional development. Hermes draws on more than 15 years of experience in curriculum design, leadership development, and data-driven program assessment. She will lead GSB’s initiatives to innovate and expand the curriculum while equipping…
OCB Names Lukas Trow SVP
OREGON, Wis., — One Community Bank has named Lukas Trow SVP – Commercial Banking Manager. “We are thrilled to welcome Lukas back to One Community Bank,” said Dan Carey, Chief Commercial Officer. “His deep passion for community banking, extensive experience, and leadership in the industry make him an invaluable asset to our team.” Lukas began…
First National Appoints Craig Bishop VP
LANSING, Mich., — First National Bank of Michigan has hired Craig Bishop as Vice President, Commercial Banking. Bishop will leverage his extensive experience to build and enhance banking relationships in the greater Lansing area. “We are happy to welcome Craig to the Lansing team,” commented Patty Barnas, Lansing Market President. “His expertise and dedication to…
Wayne Promotes Daniels to EVP
HONESDALE, Pa., — Wayne Bank has named Steve Daniels Executive Vice President and Director of Consumer Banking, according to Jim Donnelly, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Steve plays a tremendous part in the success of Wayne Bank, and I am proud to announce his promotion. He consistently pushes himself and other employees, driving high-tech financial…
Independent Expands Grand Rapids Presence
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., — Independent Bank has added a new location in downtown Grand Rapids that will house the Bank’s downtown retail banking branch and roughly 40 corporate employees. “Downtown Grand Rapids is a great place to work, live, dine, and shop, and as a community-focused bank, we’re growing where customers will expect to find…
The Path to Digital Wallet Adoption: Streamlining Consumer Education
By Mark Van Horn Digital wallets are emerging as a cornerstone of modern banking, offering significant potential to redefine customer engagement and streamline financial operations. Yet, for many regional banks, especially those in the Great Lakes area, barriers to adoption persist. These include consumer misunderstandings about digital wallets’ capabilities, fragmented messaging, and a lack of…
What Does the Future Hold for Cannabis Banking?
By Tony Repanich As the United States navigates a new presidential administration and Congress, the cannabis banking industry is once again at a crossroads. This pivotal moment brings anticipation and uncertainty, particularly regarding the regulatory landscape that shapes the sector. Key questions loom: Will federal reform become a priority? Could the new attorney general challenge…
Cybersecurity: Preparing Your Bank’s Board for 2025
By Raj Patel As board directors, your role in fostering a secure and resilient culture within your bank should consider the rise of AI technologies, the shifting regulatory landscape with the retirement of the FFIEC’s Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (CAT), and the increasingly sophisticated cyber threats expected in 2025. However, your biggest threat might be believing…
Strengthening Local Banking Through Strategic Credit Card Issuing Programs
By: Anil Goyal In today’s dynamic financial landscape, community banks are uniquely positioned to offer personalized service and local decision-making—advantages that national card issuing institutions struggle to provide. However, with growing customer expectations and intensifying competition from large banks and fintechs, community banks must adapt and find new ways to enhance their offerings while staying…